Stewart Memorial Recognizes Ragina Rowen, RN, as October Path to Excellence Honoree

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce Ragina Rowen, RN, as the recipient of the October Path to Excellence Employee Recognition. Rowen serves as a Pain Solutions Nurse and has been a valued member of the Stewart Memorial team since November 2021.

Ragina’s connection to Stewart Memorial began during her nursing education when she completed part of her clinical training at the hospital. “Everyone was so nice and helpful during that time,” she shared. “The reputation of the organization is what encouraged me to come back and pursue a career here.”

Since joining Stewart Memorial, Rowen has played a key role in expanding and advancing the pain clinic program. Initially, the clinic served patients only on Tuesday afternoons and Fridays. Today, it operates most days of the week and has extended services to the Rockwell City Clinic, allowing more patients to access specialized care closer to home. In addition to her clinical duties, Rowen also contributes to quality initiatives that support continuous improvement in patient care.

Of Stewart Memorial’s core values, compassion stands out most to Rowen. “I enjoy getting to know our patients and take pride in ensuring they are heard,” she said. That dedication has helped her navigate challenges, including the transition of providers last year. she explained. “We’re excited to have Jordan join our team and look forward to his contributions.”

Rowen also credits Stewart Memorial with fostering her professional growth. She recently began pursuing her master’s degree in nursing with strong support from the organization. “Stewart Memorial offers many opportunities to grow and further our education,” she said.

Looking at the broader mission of Stewart Memorial, Rowen takes pride in the organization’s ongoing commitment to community health. “From Physical Therapy offering new classes to the addition of specialties in the clinic, it’s amazing to see all the opportunities available to better the health of our community,” she shared.

Her passion for patient care and community health is matched by personal motivation from her family. “Professionally, I want to do more and improve the health of our community,” she said. “Personally, my husband and our two little boys inspire me to be the best version of myself.”

Stewart Memorial congratulates Ragina Rowen, RN, on being named the October Path to Excellence honoree. Her compassion, dedication, and leadership continue to make a positive impact on our patients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Announces Quarter 3 Team Award Winners

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to announce that Lexie Snyder and Keagan King have been named the Quarter 3 Team Award winners. This recognition highlights their exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and compassionate care provided to patients.

The nomination detailed a patient’s experience after developing a reaction to contrast dye following a CT scan. The patient recalled how quickly and compassionately Lexie and Keagan responded:

“Throughout it all, Keagan was incredibly patient and helpful. She found me a fan, offered me water, kept me calm, and stayed with me until I was feeling better. Both Alexa and Keagan were so caring and compassionate, making what was a very scary experience much more manageable.”

Lexie’s swift medical response combined with Keagan’s dedication and kindness created a safe and reassuring environment during a difficult situation. Their actions embody Stewart Memorial’s mission of providing quality, patient-centered care.

The Team Award is presented quarterly to staff members who demonstrate exceptional collaboration, compassion, and dedication in serving patients and supporting colleagues.

Bringing Smiles to the OR: Thanks to Our CRNA Team!

We are thrilled to welcome a new remote control ride-on car to our Surgical Services area thanks to the generous donation from our CRNA team. This exciting addition helps our pediatric patients feel more relaxed before surgery by providing a fun and comforting distraction.
The car can be driven by the children themselves using the remote control or our staff can take the wheel for a smooth ride. Creative tools like this make a big difference in reducing anxiety and improving the patient experience for our youngest visitors.
A big thank you to our CRNA team for their support in bringing smiles and comfort to our pediatric patients.

Stewart Memorial Celebrates Mary Reiter for 50 years of Dedicated Service to the Organization.

Stewart Memorial is proud to celebrate Mary Reiter for 50 years of dedicated service to the organization. Mary began her career at Stewart Memorial in 1975 as the Radiology Director, a year when gas was just 57¢ a gallon, Jaws topped the box office, and Gerald Ford served as President.From developing x-rays in a darkroom to today’s advanced digital imaging, Mary has witnessed incredible changes in healthcare. One thing that has never changed is her commitment to patients, staff, and the Stewart Memorial family.Mary retired from her full-time role as Radiology Director in 2018, yet continues to lend her expertise when needed. When asked what kept her at Stewart Memorial all these years, she said, “It’s family. I work with a very stable department, and I’ve developed wonderful relationships with all the staff at the hospital and clinic.”To honor this milestone, Stewart Memorial staff celebrated Mary’s 50 years of service with ice cream across the organization.“We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s devotion to our patients, colleagues, and the Stewart Memorial family,” said CEO Linn Block “Her 50 years of service is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and care for others.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics Honors Darci Peterson, RN, as September Path to Excellence Employee

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Darci Peterson, RN, as the Path to Excellence Employee for September 2025. This monthly recognition highlights team members who embody the hospital’s mission and values through outstanding service, compassionate care, and leadership.

Peterson began her career at Stewart Memorial more than 12 years ago when she joined as a hospice supervisor. Having worked in hospice previously, she was eager to continue this meaningful work in a smaller, community-focused facility.

“I came to Stewart Memorial because I wanted to serve small communities like the one, I grew up in,” Peterson said. “Right away I noticed how welcoming everyone was. It felt homey, not like a large hospital, and that sense of family has stayed with me ever since.”

After several years in hospice, Peterson transitioned into care coordination, working as both a health coach and care manager for patients. In those roles, she guided individuals through their health journeys, ensuring they had the resources, education, and encouragement they needed. For the past six to seven years, she has been a trusted partner in patient care and advocacy.

Most recently, Peterson embraced a new challenge as Director of Mental Health Services, a position she accepted about six months ago. She is excited to help expand the department and bring new opportunities to patients who rely on Stewart Memorial for their behavioral health needs.

“I’m super excited to see how the department grows,” Peterson said. “Mental health is such an important part of overall wellness, and I look forward to building services that make a difference for our patients and community.”

When reflecting on Stewart Memorial’s core values, Peterson shared that compassion resonates most deeply with her.

“Being a nurse for more than 20 years has taught me how essential compassion is,” she explained. “As a hospice nurse, I’ve seen firsthand that not everyone’s circumstances are the same. Showing kindness and offering a listening ear can mean everything to a patient or family in a difficult moment.”

Peterson also expressed gratitude for her colleagues and leadership team, who have played an important role in her career development.

“The leadership team here gently pushes us to learn more and grow,” she said. “They give us support when we’re ready to take on something new, and they stand by us if we choose to stay where we are. That balance is rare, and it’s part of what makes this organization special.”

For Peterson, both her patients and her coworkers are a source of motivation and joy in her work.

“Stewart Memorial is really like one big family,” she said. “If you’re having a hard day, someone is there to lift you up. We lean on each other, and that support allows us to give the best possible care to our patients.”

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics congratulates Darci Peterson, RN, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her years of dedicated service to patients, colleagues, and the community.

Stewart Memorial Announces Eating Disorder Therapy Group

 Stewart Memorial will offer a new Eating Disorder Therapy Group beginning September 9, 2025. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Willis Conference Center at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City.
The group will be led by Stacie Daily, LMHC, CADC, Mental Health Specialist at the Lake City Clinic. Daily has extensive experience treating a range of mental health concerns including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma.
The therapy group is open to individuals age 16 and older diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), or OSFED (Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder). Sessions are structured around three components: connection, education, and nutrition. Participants may attend weekly or as their schedules allow. Telehealth is also an option.
New patients and first-time participants are asked to call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907 before attending their first session. Patients attending for the first time should check in at the hospital’s main entrance and will be directed to the Willis Conference Center. After the initial visit, patients may join the group without scheduling in advance. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch.
For more information or to register, call the Lake City Clinic at 712-464-7907.